Thursday, July 10 Let your petitions be made known to God.​—Phil. 4:6.

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Thursday, July 10

Let your petitions be made known to God.—Phil. 4:6.

 

We can build up our endurance by frequently and earnestly sharing our concerns with Jehovah. (1 Thess. 5:17) Perhaps you are not facing a severe trial right now. Even so, do you seek Jehovah’s guidance whenever you feel upset, confused, or overwhelmed? If you regularly turn to our God for help with your day-to-day challenges now, you will not hesitate to do so when you face bigger challenges in the future. You will then be confident that he knows precisely when and how to act in your behalf. (Ps. 27:1, 3) We are more likely to endure the future great tribulation if we endure trials today. (Rom. 5:3) Why can we say that? Many brothers have found that each test of faith that they endured helped them withstand the next challenge. Endurance refined them, strengthening their faith that Jehovah is ready and willing to help. Faith, in turn, helped them endure the next trial.—Jas. 1:2-4. w23.07 3 ¶7-8

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Study note

(Philippians 4:6) Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God;
 

Do not: The Greek expression here rendered “Do not be anxious” could also be rendered “Stop being anxious” or “Stop worrying.”—

 

Do not be anxious: The Greek verb for “be anxious” (me·ri·mnaʹo) can refer to worrying or being overly concerned in a way that divides a person’s mind and distracts him, robbing him of joy. Several times, Jesus gave a similar exhortation. 

 

Paul himself had ample reason for being anxious; he wrote this letter during his first imprisonment in Rome.  He could also have been worried about being low on provisions (Php 4:12) and about the welfare of fellow believers . Paul encourages fellow believers in any such circumstances to “let [their] petitions be made known to God.”

 

prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving: Paul uses “prayer” as the general term for worshipful communication with God. “Supplication” is more specific; it is a strong word that suggests pleading or entreaty, often accompanied by strong emotions and even tears.  One reference work defines it as “the cry of personal need.” By adding “along with thanksgiving,” Paul shows that it is always fitting to express appreciation to God.

 

Even in times of dire need, there are reasons to be grateful; Paul knew as much from his own experiences. (Ac 16:22-25; Eph 5:19, 20) Paul also mentions petitions, using a word that means “requests”; here, it focuses on the things asked for in prayer. Paul has just explained that a Christian’s petitions may embrace a wide array of needs.